Countdown to Recyclemania 2008

In just over a month from now recyclemania will sweep across the nation. Nearly 200 colleges and universities will participate in the 10-week competition from January 27^th to April 5^th to determine which institution will prevail in collecting the most recyclables, producing the least amount of trash per person and having the highest recycling rate.

In 2007, Colorado State University won 3^rd place for waste minimization. Sure, many campuses faired better than the rams, but why tout our rivals? The great thing about this competition is that there are no losers, even the event’s leading sponsor received accolades.

Aramark Higher Education was awarded the 2007 WasteWise Endorser of the Year Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to promote recyclemania and create awareness about recycling more and disposing less. Because of Aramark’s leadership, of the more than 600 campuses they serve nationwide, 55 entered the competition this past year.

Stop the holiday trash

This holiday season try to put a little more green in your spirit.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that 60 percent of citizens in the town of Clemmons exceed their 96-gallon containers every year. Some households dispose of more than 250 pounds of garbage after Christmas. All this extra waste really adds up!

Wrapping paper, packaging, Christmas trees and greeting cards account for most of the refuse. The best ways to limit excessive trash are to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Candidates for the environment

Which of the 2008 candidates have the most credibility to serve environmental causes? Certainly no republicans, and surprisingly not even half of the democrats. Unlike Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich's unimpressive general statements about what environmental policy measures they would enact as president, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson offer specific solutions.

Each of the aforementioned candidates supports reducing carbon emissions 80 percent or more by 2050 and increase automobile fuel efficiency, but beyond this consensus they each offer very different solutions to address global warming. Do any of the candidates' plans have potential?

Dodd wants to eliminate U.S. dependence on oil from the Middle East by 2015. Edwards proposes to establish an annual $13 billion fund, financed by polluters, to be used towards renewable energy initiatives, as well as reduce imports of oil by 7.5 million barrels a day by 2025. Obama plans to decrease the carbon content of all U.S. transportation fuels 5 percent by 2015 and 10 percent by 2020. He would also provide automakers health care assistance in exchange for their investing 50 percent of the savings into technology to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. Finally, Richardson supports introducing 100 mpg in the market as a means of reducing oil imports to only 10 to 15 percent.

Renewable energy in Utah's future?

Utah currently lags behind other states in the Rocky Mountain region in terms of energy efficiency, but this could change dramatically The state is positioning itself to be the next major producer and exporter of renewable energy sources. However, industry leaders are unable to move forward with development without government incentives and tax credits.

Using today’s energy consumption levels, experts in the field say that Utah has enough geothermal and wind resources to provide 9.9 million people with power. Moreover, solar technology could meet the needs of 1.4 billion people. The Utah Clean Energy commission states that adopting renewable energy policies would save the state more than $7 billion.

The cost-benefits are clearly unmistakable. It’s about time, the state and federal government start subsidizing clean energy alternatives, and reduces funding to traditional fossil fuel and nuclear energy corporations.

Dirty air looms over Colorado's Front Range

This year, Denver and parts of the Northern Colorado Front Range, which include Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties, exceeded air quality control standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Under EPA’s Clean Air Act, ozone levels are not to surpass .08 parts per million. According to Environmental Defense consultant Isaac Silverman, levels need to remain between .06 and .07 to protect human health.

Ozone levels in Fort Collins alone reached as high as .088 last summer, placing Larimer County in violation. There will be many repercussions in addition to the obvious environmental impact. “Once you’re in non-compliance, it’s very difficult to get out of it,” said Mike Silverstein of the Colorado Air Pollution Control division.

Despite hurting economic development, it will be beneficial for area industries to face tighter pollution restrictions, and for the State of Colorado to implement more stringent vehicle emissions standards. After all, poor air quality is unhealthy for us and the environment.

Natural gas drilling yields NORM

The Barnett Shale, located in North Texas, is the second largest producing natural gas field in the United States and is responsible for generating more than $5 billion in revenue each year. Drilling of this underground reservoir continues at a fervent pace; however, lately it was discovered that all this mining is stirring up more than just profitable fuel—naturally occurring radioactive material, known as NORM is also surfacing.

NORM, which is odorless and colorless, can travel through natural gas pipelines, contaminate groundwater and concentrate in houses and buildings. It’s dangerous to people and animals if ingested or inhaled. Health experts warn that continued exposure to radioactive material is known to cause various forms of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it's a leading cause of lung cancer.

Despite the known threats, and over 1,000 barrels of radioactive waste produced from the decontamination of Barnett Shale sites in Denton, Tarrant and Wise counties, oil and gas companies forge ahead. Drilling operators are even practicing urban leasing, offering attractive royalty payments to homeowners in return. Thankfully more residents are being informed of the health risks and are and putting up a fight.

The downside of rock climbing

The trend of rock climbers leaving their mark on national treasures doesn’t appear to be changing for the better. Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Arches National Park and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area are all being marred by participants of this popular sport. Erosion, holes drilled into bare rock faces, cut trees, and abandoned gear strewn through forest floors are just a few of the offenses.

Like Marek Warzawski of the Fresno Bee put it, “As the number of people climbing boulders increases, so too do concerns about the damage they can do to the ecosystems that surround these rocks.”

Some climbing enthusiasts and park rangers believe that much of the disrespect to nature is owed to fact that many city slickers partake in the sport; they learn in artificial rock gyms and then try to transition that man-made environment to the outdoors during weekend getaways. Imparting ethics to this novice group is a challenge rangers and fellow climbers will be facing in years to come.

Mile High City battles the brown cloud

Only three decades ago, Denver’s air quality trailed Los Angeles, ranking second worst in the country. Today, the Mile High City is meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards as set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. Despite tremendous improvement, the city is battling to continue reducing air pollution as the population swells, construction escalates, the number of automobiles on the roads increase, and oil and gas companies drill ardently to meet consumer demands.

The six most common pollutants are: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and lead. Ground-level ozone, predominant in cities, is usually caused by industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, car exhaust, and chemical solvents.

Who’s to blame for Denver’s infamous brown cloud? Most pundits, including the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission, fault the energy corporations for producing these contaminants. In their defense, industry officials accuse the laggards who still drive of older, gas-guzzling vehicles which don’t adhere to current emissions standards.

Regardless of who or what is responsible for the degradation of Denver’s air quality, people’s health is at risk. When the Air Quality Index is especially high, the Colorado Health Department warns residents to limit their time and activity outdoors, to avoid developing respiratory problems. Young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.

Does Kyoto have a fighting chance?

The short answer is probably not. There are a number of reasons why the fate of the Kyoto Protocol appears so bleak. One reason is that the United States was influential in shaping world policy at a recent convention, hosted by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, that focused on limiting environmental policy.

The U.S., led by President George W. Bush, and some of the world's top polluters reconsidered policies that aimed to reduce greenhouse gases and instead chose to circumvent the Kyoto Protocol altogether. The mission of the meeting was to create new energy strategies like developing nuclear power and storing carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants. Bush also proposed a plan that would essentially turn the new pollution policies over to the next presidential administration.

America's decision to not ratify the Kyoto Protocol remains very controversial because 112 countries, including two of the world's fastest growing polluters, India and China, have now signed it. Initially, U.S. exclusion was based on the worst perpetrators not being a part of the protocol, but that claim can no longer be made since the U.S. now ranks among them.

The success of the Kyoto Protocol in regulating the environment is dependent on forward momentum and the guidance of a global leader. It's unlikely this will be achieved now.

Hipper hybrid on Honda's horizon

Honda came out with the first hybrid car in 1997, but it was eclipsed by the Toyota Prius several years later. The Prius, which has skyrocketed in sales, is considered the flagship hybrid for any eco-minded driver.

When Honda tried to match that by launching a line of Civic hybrid vehicles and other standard models, they failed in the auto market, because the lines of the car were indistinguishable from the shells of the main models–with only a small insignia to denote their environmental status.

The Toyota Prius’ success is due to its futurist looks and has become synonymous with the hybrid car, because of its uniqueness. Prius drivers are often asked about their cars, on and off the road, and respond with pride.

In response, Honda is creating its own distinguished-looking hybrid car which is planned to be released in 2009. They hope to create a look all their own for the hybrid market that will also be a topic of interest and a conversation piece.

Battling eco-terrorism

Last year, 10 defendents went to trial in a U.S. District Court in Eugene, Ore. on charges of eco-terrorism. It took the Federal Bureau of Investigations over nine years to finally catch those members of the terrorist cell called “The Family,” which was responsible for firebombings that caused more than $20 million in damages. Working on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front, the terrorist group wreaked havoc on federal ranger stations, lumber mill offices, meat-packing plants, wild horse corrals, and a ski resort. The attacks took place in five Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Today, trials against the accused environmental extremists continue to work their way through the legal process. Defendents could face 5 to 20 years on each count of arson.

Unfortunately, these headlines create negative publicity for legal attempts and scientifically valid efforts to save the environment. Thankfully, they’re in the minority and in a year when An Inconvenient Truth weighs heavily on the minds of many Americans, stories and isolated events like these can be seen in their true light.

Schwarzenegger takes on the EPA

Will Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger help pave the way toward better climate change legislation?

This Wednesday, California plans to file a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency in order gain permission to issue its own auto emission regulations. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, the state asked for a waiver in 2005 which would order automobile manufacturers to reduce vehicles’ carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas pollution by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016.

California’s plea has many powerful critics. President Bush is opposed to compulsory emission limits. In addition, Automakers insist the federal government should exclusively be responsible for regulating emissions standards, in order to prevent a patchwork of state-by-state rules from ensuing.

According to California State Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, the intent of the suit is to gain the attention of the president and Capitol Hill. “The most prominent Republican governor suing the Bush administration sends a powerful message, which I hope will influence Congress [to pass global-warming legislation],” he said.

EPA spokeswoman Jennifer Wood said the agency is still reviewing the waiver request and expects a decision will be made by the end of the year.

Southwest's water is running out

A report issued by the National Research Council warns the Southwest will soon face a severe water shortage due to the regional warming trend and increased human demand. The Colorado River, which supplies parts of California, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, is already significantly impacted—it no longer reaches the ocean! According to an article in SFGate.com, major water scarcity in the region will set in as soon as 2025.

The depletion of fresh water is of grave concern because it is not a renewable resource and there are no alternatives for it, unlike natural gas and coal. The report says, “increasingly costly, controversial and unavoidable trade-off choices,” will need to be made.

Currently, cities rising demand for water is being met by leasing and selling the water rights of agriculture, which accounts for 80% of the West’s water consumption. However, this is not a viable long-term solution because the farming industry and rural landscape will suffer. Ultimately, answers to the Southwest’s water shortage crisis will lie in conservation measures taken by the federal and state governments and the American people.

Kudos to Al Gore

Since the 2000 presidential election debacle, former Vice President Al Gore has achieved more fame and notoriety from his environmental advocacy work than anything he accomplished during his years in the Clinton administration. It appears 2007 is his year.

In February, Gore won an Oscar award for his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, which exposed the harsh realities of global warming. He was also given the privilege of testifying before the Senate Environment Committee hearing on global climate change the following month. However, the greatest tribute to Gore’s efforts came on Friday, when it was announced he will share the Nobel Peace Prize with the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

In his statement published in USA Today, Gore said, “The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.” The $1.5 million he receives in proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Alliance for Climate Protection.

Thanks to his contributions and the hard work of so many scientists and politicians, climate change will be a higher priority on the international agenda in the years to come.

Green Consumerism

A recent New York Times article reveals one of the unintended outcomes of the green movement is the increase in commercialism and consumerism. Trendy, earth-friendly merchandise is now available for just about every kind of product on the market...from men’s dress shirts to dog chew toys. In addition to their main product lines, many manufacturers offer “green” alternatives, which are marketed as biodegradable, organic, all natural, eco-friendly, etc. All these products are adding to the accumulation of waste matter and further depleting our natural resources.

According to the Washington Post, “Industry estimates of the total spent on environmentally conscious goods and services in the United States are upward of $209 billion.” Producers are raking in huge profits from so-called “green consumers” and critics are speaking out. Author Paul Hawken says, “Green consumerism is an oxymoronic phrase.” George Black of the Natural Resources Defense Council, believes the majority of these shoppers are “eco-narcissists,” because they are more concerned with fashion than addressing the seriousness of our environmental crises.

World Watch Woes

Of the quizzes available on the World Watch website, I scored best on the one concerning population, health and the economy and worst on the one about energy, climate and pollution, etc. I took a conservation class only just last year and thought I knew more about current issues involving the environment, but boy was I wrong!

It was alarming to discover that in 2002 the U.S spent $943 billion on military expenses while the United Nations only spent $2.82 billion on peace-keeping efforts. This is simply outrageous! Yes, 9/11 necessitated some defense spending in the war against terror, but I think a large portion of this cost could have been offset by more monetary support from the U.N. And what do we really have to show for the $943 billion spent in that year alone?

Also, I was surprised to learn that the U.S. produced the most oil in 1950, and that in 2003 Russia dominated oil production. Why? In the news all we ever hear about is how the U.S is dependent on oil from the Middle East and our present War on Iraq further supports this notion. Furthermore, why if it’s been more than half a century since the U.S. has been a leader in oil production have we not been more aggressive in transitioning to alternative energy sources?

Finally, I was reassured to find out that hydropower and traditional biomass forms of energy were consumed most in 2000 after oil, coal and natural gas. Hopefully this statistic reveals a trend toward safer, cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy use. Only time will tell.

Arctic ice melting too fast

Hearing about the disappearance of the arctic ice caps doesn’t resonate with nearly the same urgency until you realize it will happen in your lifetime.

Just a few years ago, the scientific community thought this would occur in the distant future around 2100, but now researchers are discovering that it is happening at a much faster rate than anyone expected. And the consequences will be devastating.

A study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that 40 percent of the ice cap will have melted by 2050. The National Snow and Ice Data Center predicts that all the ice in the Arctic sea will be depleted by 2030. Both findings are based on computer climate simulations. According to James Overland, NOAA oceanographer, there isn't anything that can be done to reverse this fate because today's existing greenhouse gases will remain in the atmosphere for 50 years or more.

Who’s taking the bait on over-fishing?

Since the 1950s, when large-scale commercial fishing began, our seas have been increasingly depleted of fish. This is causing an alarming imbalance in the oceans ecosystems, not to mention the impact its having on the fishing industry. A key indicator is that the ocean’s renowned predator species, the shark, is rapidly disappearing. CNNMoney.com reports that by 2048, tuna, cod, swordfish, flounder, and other popular large fish may no longer be available, at market or at sea.

Legislators, marine biologists, environmentalists, and even some fisheries are trying to tackle this issue, albeit with very different approaches. Lawmakers are deadlocked in revising the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include more stringent conservation regulations. Experts in the field hope to see efforts made to protect entire ecosystems - not just the species at risk, which would involve more research and better instrumentation to track populations underwater, according to washingtonpost.com. Some companies in the industry, like Kona Blue, have started to cultivate fish from controlled deepwater conditions within the ocean, a practice known as aquaculture.

Americans’ obsession with green grass

Most everyone living out West is aware that fresh, usable water is in limited supply; but not everyone is taking appropriate action. The agriculture industry, which is responsible for a large percentage of the water consumption, has been adopting efficient irrigation systems for years to conserve this resource and reduce costs. Unfortunately, many landscapers, developers, and homeowners are voluntarily contributing to the water shortage by choosing to grow grass where it wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Instead of embracing the beauty of the natural landscape, Americans are consuming 7.8 million gallons of water per year to maintain lush, pristine lawns, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This accounts for 30 percent of all water use in the United States. To make matters worse, an article in the San Francisco Chronicle estimates that each year $40 million is spent on toxic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, which end up polluting the water table.

Our American culture highly values gorgeous green grass at an exorbitant cost to the environment–and for what? To keep up appearances with the neighbors, create a caca carpet for the dog, or make a date with the mower every weekend? Just think how much better off we’d be without tending turf.

America's Icon is Saved

In March of this year I was lucky enough to spot a bald eagle soaring overhead while driving East on I-70, near Parachute, CO. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I’d never seen one in the wild before, only in zoos. Less than a month later, I saw a golden eagle in flight three miles south of Windsor, CO. These eagle sightings left a lasting impression in my mind.

It turns out of course that it wasn’t just dumb luck. Eagles have made an astounding comeback. In fact, this past June the Department of the Interior declared the bald eagle is no longer an endangered species, a classification it’s had for almost 40 years. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Division, today there are more than 10,000 mating pairs living in the continental U.S.; only 400 existed in 1963.

The success of our national symbol’s return is a testament to the power of the federal government and propaganda. Without the leverage of the Endangered Species Act, regulation to ban DDT pesticide, and considerable funding spent to protect the famous bald eagle, which appears on so much government-issued Americana, who knows what its fate might have been?

Colorado cuts carbon dioxide emissions control

Beginning in January 2007, Colorado lifted emissions testing requirements of gasoline-fueled automobiles in Larimer, Weld and El Paso counties. Testing will continue for motor vehicles with diesel engines, but even this is now limited to designated areas.

Why would the State of Colorado choose to forego monitoring automobiles’ carbon dioxide emissions in these three highly populated counties? Close to 950,000 residents live in Larimer, Weld and El Paso counties combined. This adds up to a lot of vehicles polluting the atmosphere. Equally disturbing is the fact that Colorado also does not mandate yearly inspections that would help screen for both unsafe and environmentally hazardous automobiles. This means cars that burn oil or have broken exhaust pipes can legally remain on the road indefinitely.

It’s ironic that as other states are starting to finally adopt emissions testing and taking actions to protect the environment, Colorado is taking steps in the opposite direction. In the face of global warming (aka climate change), it’s time to be responsible not neglectful.

Hetch Hetchy inspires the conservation movement

Nestled in Yosemite National Park there once stood a natural wonder of formidable grandeur and boundless beauty. The Hetch Hetchy Valley, often referred to as Yosemite’s little sister, used to boast cascading waterfalls over magnificent granite cliffs as the Tuolumne River freely flowed through the valley floor. An abundant and diverse population of bird species, other wildlife and lush fauna also thrived there. Unfortunately, we will never know more about Hetch Hetchy than what has been documented by the few men and women who witnessed its beauty before it was destroyed.

Today the Hetch Hetchy Valley is submerged under 400 feet of water (Felzer, 1973). A monument to man’s ingenuity, the municipally owned O’Shaughnessy Dam now situated in the valley provides water for 2.4 million residents and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area. The reservoir and aqueduct system also generates hydroelectric power that is distributed by a private utility company. In his historical account of the dam''s construction, author Ron Felzer exclaimed, “390,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured, and over 6 million board feet of lumber were cut—within the Park!”

Some people mourn the demolition of Hetch Hetchy as a national treasure, while others marvel at exploiting its natural resources. Regardless, the Hetch Hetchy controversy, which began at the turn of the twentieth century, has played a pivotal role in America's conservation movement. Of the many voices that influenced history on this subject, none were more prevalent than those of preservationist John Muir, and conservationists Gifford Pinchot and President Theodore Roosevelt. The outcome of the Hetch Hetchy debate symbolized the adoption of a “wise-use” conservation policy by the United States.

The black-footed ferret returns

Two decades ago the black-footed ferret population was on the verge of extinction in North America. In fact, the situation was so dire that even amidst the Cold War the Russians were willing to help with the United States’ captive breeding efforts (AP, 1987). Today, however, the fate of the black-footed ferret appears more than hopeful.

This success story originates in the Shirley Basin of Wyoming, an ideal natural ferret habitat which is also home to thriving colonies of their main prey, the white-tailed prairie dog. Reuters reports, as recently as 1986, only 18 of these endangered species were found living in the wild. Since this discovery, biologists from the University of Wyoming joined forces with zoos and researchers across the country and abroad to launch a reintroduction program. Fortunately local ranchers, who were eager to see the number of prairie dogs controlled, supported their mission.

Now twenty years later, after addressing reproduction issues and diseases affecting the species, nearly 220 descendents of the original 18 black-footed ferrets inhabit the Shirley Basin according to National Geographic News. However, some experts believe this number may be a bit conservative. Nevertheless, exponential population growth like this is almost unheard of for endangered species in such a short period of time.

Ferret reintroduction is not limited to Wyoming; five other Western states are also participating in the effort. Thanks to the dedication of many hard-working individuals and government funding, there are now approximately 700 black-footed ferrets in the U.S (Mott, 2007).